In Funeral Announcements

Donice Livingston, 66, of Center, passed away Wednesday, December 26 at Shelby Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., tomorrow at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Arrest Report for December 29^th an 30^th

• David Berry of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine Police for Driving While License Invalid.

• Charles Sowell of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine County Sheriffs for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

• Vicki Thebeau of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine County Sheriffs for Possession of Dangerous Drugs and Driving While Intoxicated.

• Amber Holloway of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine County Sheriffs for Child Endangerment and Assault.

In Local Sports:

The Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament crowned two new champions Saturday, as the three-day basketball tourney wrapped up. Taking the boys’ title in the all-Class 2A match was No. 6-state ranked Kountze, with a 78-62 decision over No. 1 state-ranked White Oak. There’s also a new girls’ tournament champion, as Tatum defeats No. 2 state-ranked Lipan, 55-50. In Saturday’s other boys’ games: Class A, Div. I No. 7 state-ranked Cayuga over the Tenaha Tigers, 65-58 in the third-place game; Class A, Div. II No. 7 state-ranked Laneville squeezes by Class 2A Central Heights, 51-50 in the fifth-place game; and in the consolation game, Woden over Chireno, 53-38. Tournament organizers report great games and great crowds during the fourth-annual Holiday Hoops Tournament.

Even though they didn’t make the boys’ “placing” games, the No. 3 state-ranked San Augustine Wolves won 2-of-4 during the Tenaha tournament. The Wolves will host Central Heights at 1 this afternoon. Central Heights defeated San Augustine, 55-53 last Friday at the Tenaha tournament.

At the Woodville Tournament, the Center Roughriders won 2-out-of-3, including a 59-38 win over Corrigan on Saturday. The Riders opened play last Thursday with a 65-30 win over Hardin; and lost to tournament champion, Beaumont Kelly, 66-49 on Friday. Center will resume District 20-3A play on Jan. 8 when they host Huntington. The Riders are 0-2 in league play.

The Shelbyville Dragons win the consolation at the Kirbyville Tournament. The Dragons beat Anahuac (Anna-whack), 45-42 Friday to take the trophy. Shelbyville opened with a lost to Spurger, 47-56, and rebound with a win over West Hardin on Friday to make the consolation game.

The new security system, recently approved by the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court, has been installed, and is now operational in county offices. Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham told commissioners at their meeting last week the “panic alarm system”, similar to those found in banks, will upon activation, broadcast the location, saying assistance is needed, but does not give the nature of the issue. Cunningham said the new security system is not intended to replace the phone or 9-1-1. He added the system will be helpful for county offices and employees that could be confronted with situations where officers need to respond quickly. Also at their meeting, commissioners approved bonds for elected officials for 2013, including the newly elected Pct. 3 County Commissioner Jeff Holloway, who’s replacing current commissioner Dale Mixon. County Treasurer Pam Smith advised the court that some of the financial balances were beginning to show deficit numbers, but should turnaround as tax statements were starting to go out, and would look better over the next couple of month.

Both Shelby and San Augustine Counties have scheduled swear-in ceremonies for elected county officials. New Shelby County Sheriff-elect, Willis Blackwell will be administered his oath of office at midnight, tonight, at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Blackwell will join the other newly elected and re-elected officials at 10 a.m. Wednesday, for a formal swearing-in ceremony in the community room of the Shelby County Courthouse. In San Augustine County, all elected and re-elected office holders will receive their oaths during a ceremony at 10 a.m., tomorrow morning, New Years’ Day, in the county courtroom. The public is invited to attend these ceremonies.

Being that it’s New Year’s Eve, the Shelby County Courthouse will be closing at noon today, and be closed for business tomorrow, Jan. 1. The Shelby County Courthouse will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 2, for regular hours. The San Augustine County Courthouse is closed today and Tuesday, and will reopen for regular business on Jan. 2.

The two individuals involved in last Thursday’s theft of cash from a Center business have been captured. Arrested Friday and charged with theft, were 28-year old Joshua Bearden, and 28-year old Kimberly Thompson, both of Center. No details are available on how the pair was captured, but they confessed, and still had the money in their possession that was taken from City Blend’s Smoothie Café and Tantalizing Tanning Salon. The incident occurred just after noon Dec. 27 when the two walked into the business, and while one distracted the store clerk, the other removed money from a cash register.

Despite the rain and cold weather, fans from across the region showed up at Independence Stadium in Shreveport to watch University of Louisiana-Monroe face off with Ohio University.  According to the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Visitor Bureau more than 42,000 tickets were sold for the game, along with hotels in the local area being 70 percent booked for the weekend.  Some clubs even offered free admission and free drinks, if you brought in your I- bowl ticket," says Brandy Evans with the Visitors Bureau.  The city of Shreveport says it costs about $50,000 to put on the event, and in the past the event has brought in almost $5.7 million in direct spending which is economic boost for the area. Unfortunately, Louisiana-Monroe struggled in its first bowl game after 19 seasons losing 45-14.

State leaders like to brag about Texas' fast growing economy and low unemployment, but rarely do they mention the high poverty rate and so far they don't appear inclined to pass any new laws to deal with it.  The unemployment rate and the creation of new jobs are the statistics most often cited by Gov. Rick Perry.  While unemployment is among the lowest in the country at 6.2 percent. That's well below the national average of 7.7 percent. Employment, though, is not the only measure of economic prosperity. The number of Texans living in poverty rose for a third consecutive year in 2011, adding more than 214,000 people to total 4.6 million. That's 18.5 percent of the population, 3 percent higher than the nation as a whole, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Going into the legislative session that begins Jan. 8, to help the poor and unemployed, Perry has proposed requiring drug testing as a condition for some people to receive welfare benefits, to make sure they are employable.

In Funeral Announcements

Donice Livingston, 66, of Center, passed away Wednesday, December 26 at Shelby Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Ed Wayne Barton , 74, passed away Sunday, December 23 in Beaumont. Visitation will be Tomorrow from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m at Garrison Funeral Home with Funeral Services following at noon.

In Local Sports:

The semi-finals have been set at the fourth annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament. Both boys’ and girls’ semis will be played today. All semi-final games are being played at the Tenaha Special Events Center.

Early games today will feature the boys’ and girls’ consolation and fifth place bracket action: At 9 this morning, there’s girls’ games at Tiger Gym, Gary, Joaquin and the Tenaha Special Events Center, all in the consolation bracket, while boys’ consolation games follow at 10:30. The boys’ fifth place bracket games are at the special events center and Tiger Gym at noon. Action will continue throughout this afternoon and evening, in addition to Saturday. The tournament finals Saturday will be held in the special events center, with the girls’ championship at 2 p.m. and the boys’ at 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $6 adults and $4 student good for each day. Remember, you can get information, game schedules, plus the Tiger Café menu at the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com and click on Holiday Hoops link.

In other tournament action today, the Center Roughriders continue play in Woodville; the Timpson Bears and Lady Bears,, along with the Garrison Bulldogs are playing in the Overton Tournament thru Saturday; and the Shelbyville Dragons and Lady Dragons are taking part in the Kirbyville Tournament.

It’s now time for the Center Broadcasting Community Spotlight of the Week. This Week’s Community Spotlight will be shedding light on a special coupple who is an inspiration to everyone who has had the privilege of meeting them. From San Augustine, we would like to highlight Herman and Naomi Garner. Herman and Naomi first met while Herman was working as a high school basketball coach and have been been together for 57 years. Herman celebrated his 100th birthday in June and Naomi will celebrate her 100th Birthday on Saturday. Herman believes they have stayed alive for so long because they never picked up bad habits such as drinking or smoking. Herman says the key to living a long life starts at a young age and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will elongate life. We want to thank Herman and Naomi Garner for being an inspiration as well as for providing a positive example for others to follow.

DeSoto Parish will be receiving a property tax payment of $6.6 million dollars from Chesapeake Energy, the company announced Thursday. A total of nearly $14 million in payments will be made to Louisiana Parishes benefiting from natural gas and oil development. Representatives from Chesapeake will begin making presentations at area police jury meetings to formally announce the individual parish totals. The tax payments will be divided according to current property taxes for parish schools, law enforcement, police juries and other taxing authorities in each parish. DeSoto Parishes’ payment is the largest among the 8 Northwest Louisiana parishes receiving payments. Sabine Parishes’ amount is just over a million dollars. With natural gas at decade-low prices, Louisiana is experiencing a renaissance in new commercial and industrial construction activity, particularly in the synthetic fuel and chemical industries. The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is forecasting the location of up to a dozen projects over the next few years that are expected to attract investments of more than $5 billion and create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.

Both Shelby and San Augustine Counties will have swear-in ceremonies for elected county officials next week. New Shelby County Sheriff-elect, Willis Blackwell will be administered his oath of office at midnight, Jan. 1 at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Blackwell will join newly elected and re-elected officials during a formal event at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2 in the community room of the Shelby County Courthouse. In San Augustine County, all elected and re-elected office holders will receive their oaths during a ceremony at 10 a.m., New Years’ Day, Tuesday, in the county courtroom. The public is invited to attend these ceremonies.

Center Police are investigating the theft of cash at a Tenaha Street business that occurred Thursday afternoon. According to the clerk at City Blends Smoothie Café and Tantalizing Tanning Salon, a male and female entered the business during the noon hour, and while one distracted the employee, the other opened a cash register and made away with an undetermined amount of cash. No weapon was reportedly used during the incident. Scanner traffic said the two suspects left and drove away in a 2005 model Chevy pickup, blue in color, with tan on the bottom portion, and contained a red four wheeler in the back. The duo was seen driving north onto Tenaha Street. Both individuals were white and looked to be in their 20s, according to the business owner. The male was described as having brown hair, and the female blonde hair. Center Police is asking for your help in locating these suspects in the theft of money at City Blends Smoothie Café and Tantalizing Tanning Salon. You can contact the Center PD at 936-598-2788, or call Center Crimestoppers at 936-598-SAFE, that’s 598-7233. Remember, Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. You could receive up to a $1,000 reward if your information leads to an arrest.

As fireworks begin to light up the Ark-La-Tex sky, safety needs to be reinforced. Retired firefighter and owner of a fireworks stand in Bossier City tries to stress safety with every sale. Bossier City has limited the kinds of sparklers you can sell. They must be free of certain chemicals, chlorates and perchlorates, so people can not create a sparkler bomb with them. Sparkler bombs are several sparklers taped together, which can be extremely dangerous. Reed applaudes the city regulation and would like to see the entire State of Louisiana adopt the same sparkler rules Bossier City has in place. People can shoot fireworks in Shreveport and Bossier City through January 1st until 10 p.m. each night. at night. On New Years Eve those hours extend until 12:30 a.m. in Bossier and 1 a.m. in Shreveport.

The tug-of-war between Texas Gov. Rick Perry and state universities is still going strong heading into the 2013 legislative session with new skirmishes over money looming. After lawmakers cut nearly $1 billion in higher education spending from institutions and financial aid for students, schools want that money back. Perry wants schools to lock in four-year tuition rates, offer cheaper degrees and graduate more students quicker. And he wants schools to earn some of the funding they get by tying at least 10 percent of the money to how many students graduate. University leaders hope to convince the Legislature that pumping money back into higher education helps the state by producing a better-educated workforce and research that fuels economic development.

In Funeral Announcements

J.D Duffield of Center passed away Friday, December 21^st at Shelby Regional Medical Center. Services will be Today at 1:00 p.m at Triumph Church with Burial to follow in Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Bob George White, 72, of Timpson, passed away December 20th at his residence in Timpson. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Today at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison.

Baby Face Rodgers, 80, of Joaquin passed away Tuesday, December 25^th at Green Acres Nursing Home. Services are pending.

Local Arrest Report for December 27^th

Raphael Soto, 27 of Timpson was arrested by Timpson Police for Aggravated Sexual Assault.

Randall Swindle of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine Police for Parole Violation and Resisting Arrest.

High school basketball action today: The Center Roughriders are among 16 teams taking part in the Woodville Eagles Holiday Classic. The Riders will open play at 11:00 a.m this morning against Evadale at the Woodville Middle School Gym.

One of the premiere basketball tournaments in the state tips off today, as the fourth annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament runs thru Saturday, with some 60 games on tap in Tenaha, Joaquin, Gary and Panola College.

The boys’ portion of the tournament begins at 9:00 a.m this morning. Today’s girls’ schedule starts at 9 at the Tenaha Special Events Center. For more information on the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament, game results, and the menu of the popular Tiger Café, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com and click on the Holiday Hoops link.

Meanwhile, the Timpson Bears and Lady Bears,, along with the Garrison Bulldogs begin play in the Overton Tournament today thru Saturday; and the Shelbyville Dragons and Lady Dragons are taking part in the Kirbyville Tournament beginning today.

Gas prices have fallen nearly 12 cents over the last two weeks, continuing a "price crash," the publisher of a new survey said Sunday. The average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline nationwide is $3.26, down 58 cents over the past 11 weeks, the Survey found. But according to sources, that good news at the pump is unlikely to continue. "Higher crude oil prices are translating into higher wholesale gasoline prices," and retailers will need to pass them through. Expect prices to jump 5 or 10 cents per gallon soon. The average national price is 2 cents higher than it was a year ago. As of this morning, the lowest gas prices in the local area is at Murphy USA on Hurst Street at 2.96/g, followed by Conoco on Shelbyville Street at 3.09/g and Valero on Hurst Street at 3.09/g.

Starting next month in Nacogdoches, a low-cost veterinarian clinic, O’Malley Alley Pet will begin spaying and neutering animals for free, for those that qualify. Volunteers recently raised $20,000 to purchase equipment for the facility, to be located on North Fredonia Street. The pet overpopulation issue in Nacogdoches County is one of the highest in the country, as euthanasia per 1,000 animals is about 60 percent. The facility expects to charge from $25 to $75 to spay and neuter pets. O’Malley Alley Pet is a division of the O’Malley Alley Cat Organization that “traps, neuters and returns cats to their familiar habitat.

When the San Augustine County Commissioners meet this morning at 10:00 a.m in regular session, agenda items will include a presentation by Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham in regard to emergency situations and procedures; approving bonds for elected officials; discuss update information concerning courthouse mail delivery; consider TXDOT Aviation Division Ramp Grant request Mileage Reimbursement Rate per State Comptroller; discuss and take action to transfer payroll department from the auditor’s office to treasurer’s office; and discuss and consider renewing the Worker’s Compensation Alliance coverage. That’s a meeting of the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court at 10 this morning.

Center Crimestoppers is asking for your assistance in solving a home burglary that occurred last Saturday, Dec. 22. The home, at 701 Pine Street, was discovered to be burglarized that afternoon. An unknown suspect or suspects entered through a window at the rear of the house, and once inside, a laptop computer was removed. Detective Joey Haley gathered fingerprints from the window where entry was gained, with the computer being the only reported item taken. If you information on this burglary, you’re asked to contact Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE, that’s 598-7233, or www.centercrimestoppers.com to send a web tip. Remember you don’t have to give your name, and you could receive up to $1,000 if your information leads to an arrest.

While the teams get ready for this year's Independence Bowl on Friday, so are many Shreveport-Bossier businesses. As of Wednesday afternoon the bowl had sold about 42,000 tickets. This year one of the teams, University of Louisiana-Monroe, is from just a few hours away. That will likely mean more people at the game, but there's also the chance lots of people will make it a day trip instead of staying the whole weekend. The City of Shreveport says it costs them about $50,000 to put on the Independence Bowl. The Convention and Tourism Bureau says their last study, done in 2006, showed the I-bowl brought in about $5.7 million in direct spending to the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Supporters of casinos and expanded gambling in Texas say they're more united before the upcoming legislative session, but their proposals will still face long odds. According to sources, previous pushes for more gambling have failed when groups representing different interests have fought each other. Political consultant Bill Miller says that won't happen when the Legislature meets next year. Gambling supporters argue that by not allowing casinos, Texas loses money from residents who go to Oklahoma, Louisiana or elsewhere. But Gov. Rick Perry and Republicans in the Legislature have previously opposed expanding gambling. Miller says the ongoing school funding lawsuit could help if the Legislature is ordered to provide more education money.

In Funeral Announcements

Bob George White, 72, of Timpson, passed away December 20th at his residence in Timpson. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., tomorrow at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison.

 Local Arrest Report for December 26^th

• Tyler Gregg, 23 of Center was arrested by Shelby County Sheriffs for Public Intoxication.

• Seabrenia Stewart of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine Police for Theft.

• Randall Page of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine County Sheriffs for Driving While Intoxicated and Failure to ID.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ Poll will be updated next month, but the HoopInsider Boys’ Poll, focusing primarily on east Texas teams, has the San Augustine Wolves at No. 2, the Broaddus Bulldogs at No. 6 and the Tenaha Tigers ranked No. 8 in the Class 1A, Div. I poll, while Grapeland is No. 1.

Several of our area high school basketball teams are playing in tournaments this week. The Center Roughriders are among 16 teams taking part in the Woodville Eagles Holiday Classic. The Riders will open play at 11:10 Thursday morning against Evadale at the Woodville Middle School Gym. Center’s second-round game will be at 12:30 Friday against Splendora or Buna.

We’ve been telling you about the big fourth annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament Thursday thru Saturday, with some 60 games on tap in Tenaha, Joaquin, Gary and Panola College. Some of the top boys’ and girls’ teams in Texas will be playing. The boys’ portion of the tournament begins at 9:00 a.m Thursday morning with the girls’ schedule also starting at 9:00 a.m at the Tenaha Special Events Center. For more information on the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Tournament, and the menu of the popular Tiger Café, go to the Tenaha ISD website, tenahaisd.com and click on the Holiday Hoops link.

San Augustine County Commissioners will be meeting in regular session at 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Among the agenda items will be a presentation by Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham in regard to emergency situations and procedures; approving bonds for elected officials; discuss update information concerning courthouse mail delivery; consider TXDOT Aviation Division Ramp Grant request Mileage Reimbursement Rate per State Comptroller; discuss and take action to transfer payroll department from the auditor’s office to treasurer’s office; and discuss and consider renewing the Worker’s Compensation Alliance coverage. That’s a meeting of the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court at 10 tomorrow morning.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Department is assisting the Mansfield Police Department with investigating the town’s first homicide in four years. The body of 29-year old Laderrick Hadnott, was found dead by his roommate Monday in the 600 block of Topeka Street. Police are saying Hadnott is believed to have died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Authorities are still searching for a suspect in the crime. If you have any information related to this homicide, you're asked to call Mansfield Crime Stoppers at 318-872-8888.

The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake has again been registered near Timpson. Last Saturday around noon, a 2.6 trembler was reported, with the epicenter around 2 miles south southwest of Timpson, again in the Lake Timpson vicinity, at a depth of just over 3 miles. This was the second recorded quake this month for the area, with a 2.8 being recorded Dec. 7. The latest quake brings the number to 7 this year. There was no reported damage from last weekend’s tremor.

Christmas Day brought with it strong storms across the Deep East Texas and West Louisiana region. A strong upper level storm system, associated with a warm front dumped a good rainfall and strong winds across the area. There was widespread thunderstorm wind damage reported by officials, as the strongest of the storms tracked eastward through Nacogdoches, Shelby, San Augustine and Sabine Counties before 11 a.m. Two severe thunderstorm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in association with the storm passage. There were reports of trees down on Hwy. 7 west and 96 South in Shelby County; in Nacogdoches County at Chireno on Farm-to-Market 95; and in Sabine County near Yellow Pine and Six Mile. Official weather observer Jim Forbes, reports over an inch-and-a- half of rain. Both AEP SWEPCO and Deep East Texas Electric Co-op reported some storm-related power outages, but as of today, there are no outages in the immediate area. After the storms and heavier rain had cleared the area, winds gusted to near 30 mph. There were even snow flurries last night and early this morning, with locations north of Deep East Texas reporting accumulations of wintry precipitation. Skies have begun to clear, and winds subsiding, with sunny and cool weather the forecast today. Lows tonight are expected to dip to the mid 20s.

Since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut local gun shops in Louisiana have seen a drastic spike in gun and ammo sales. The Cash in a Flash Pawn Shop in Shreveport has seen an increase in the sale of guns, including assault weapons. The says that while they have some of the assault rifles in stock, they are flying off the shelves. The store has gone from selling around 5 guns a day to more than 60 a day since the shooting. Paul Murray, owner of Shooter USA in Bossier City says that his store has also had a lot of people buying guns, but even more people are taking safety lessons and signing up for concealed weapons permit courses. Possible stricter gun legislation is expected to be introduced to congress after January 1st.

Texas Congressman Ralph Hall was elected to the U.S. House in 1980 at the age of 57. Yesterday, Christmas Day was extra special because the North Texas congressman became the oldest person ever to serve in the U.S. House, surpassing the record of North Carolina Rep. Charles Manly Stedman, who died in office in 1930 at age 89 years, 7 months and 25 days. Hall, who turns 90 on May 3, became the oldest House member to ever cast a vote this year. Hall is also one of just two current U.S. House members to have served in World War II. Those close to the Rockwall Republican say he remains active. Voters re-elected him last month to a 17th term, and according to Hall, he may even run again.

 In Local Sports:

It’s the start of the Texas High School Football Championship Weekend in Arlington, and first up today is the Class A, Div. II title game, featuring the 10-4 defending state champion Tenaha Tigers against the 14-0 Munday Moguls. Kick- off is 12 noon at Cowboys Stadium. It’s the second straight year Tenaha has faced Munday for the championship. The Tigers took a 51-28 win last year. The Tenaha-Munday game is followed by Mart vs. Stamford at 4 p.m. for the 1A, Div. I championship; and the Class 2A, Div. II title game with Corsicana Mildred taking on East Bernard at 8 p.m. tonight.

The Tenaha game will be broadcast live on both Dish and DirectTV today on Fox Sports Southwest. For Dish subscribers the channel is 416 and for DirectTV the channel is 676. Also, if you happen to have Sudden-Link Cable, that’s channel 29.

Friday’s state championships include: the 2A, Div. I game at noon between 12-3 Daingerfield and 14-0 Cameron Yoe; Class 3A, Div. II contest at 4 p.m. with 13-1 Gilmer against15-0 Navasota; and the Class 4A, Div. II title game at 8 p.m. with 14-1 Lancaster vs. 13-2 Cedar Park.

Leadership Shelby County of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted Educator Community Day for 13 Center High School teachers. They visited various businesses, government offices and agencies to receive an update on Shelby County. This was an opportunity for faculty members to actively see the job skills that are needed in various industries and how the job related to their academic curriculum in the classroom. Presenters included: Charles Grisby with Workforce Solutions; Ortega Cartwright of Hallmark Center Fixtures; David Haley of Brookshire Brothers; Ty Price, Complex Manager and the Tyson Foods team; Dave Warman V-P of TPF Gas Services; Mayor David Chadwick of Farmers State Bank; Thomas Morrison of Port-A-Cool; City Manager, Chad Nehring; and Tommy Hughes, Director of the Windham Civic Center. Center ISD faculty participants included Erin McMichael, Karlie McQueen, Bradley Lawrence, K. Camara, Josh Stewart, David Sheppard, Cody Shanks, Christy Littleton, Emily Siron, Jason Perry, Donna Shannon, Emily Smith, Mary Grigsby and Tim Norman. Leadership Shelby County Educators Day is a one day workshop presented by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. This program is designed to enhance and educate teachers on the diversity of Shelby County and develop an understanding of the workplace and business.

As another follow up to a story we’ve covered previously this week, the Texas School Safety Center is saying the Timpson ISD should not have been on the list of school districts that had not submitted an audit. According to Joseph McKenna, law enforcement, homeland security and research services specialist at the safety center, Timpson ISD sent in the audit before the deadline, but gave incorrect information on two questions which caused the audit to be placed on a list of districts that were out of compliance. McKenna said Timpson ISD will be able to resubmit the audit with corrected answers. Timpson ISD Superintendent, Dr. Mid Johnson said the district’s audit is on file and may be viewed by the public.

A Logansport man and a Joaquin woman lost their lives as the result of a two-vehicle accident Wednesday morning near Joaquin. According to DPS Trooper Keith Jones, 39-year old Lloyd Jason Ramsey was entering Farm-to-Market Road 139 from County Road 3193 in a Ford F-150 pickup, when he pulled into the path of a Mack dump truck, driven by Billy Gene Mason. The dump truck, owned by Shelby County, struck the pickup, overturning it in a ditch, with the dump truck overturning onto the pickup. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to assist Ace EMS in freeing Ramsey, and a passenger, 20-year old Lauren Michelle Weaver from the wreckage. Ramsey was pronounced dead at the scene by J-P Pct. 3 Margie Anderson. Weaver was life flighted to LSU Health Center in Shreveport, where she later died. Mason was transported to Shelby Regional by private vehicle for observation.

Since numerous shootings have flooded the news, the Shreveport Police are offering cash for firearms in an effort to get illegally held guns off the streets. The effort, called "Don't Shoot, I Want to Grow Up," offers a reward to people who anonymously inform police of suspects who are illegally carrying or possessing a firearm. Shreveport-Caddo Parish Crime Stoppers will pay $200 for an illegal handgun and $500 for any illegal rifle or shotgun seized. It is illegal for anyone without the proper permit to carry a concealed weapon, and it is also illegal for anyone who has been convicted of certain felony crimes to possess a firearm.

A $3 billion cancer-fighting effort that's already under criminal investigation received yet more humiliation Wednesday when Texas Gov. Rick Perry called for a moratorium on new grants until confidence is restored in a once-celebrated agency that has plunged into turmoil in just three years. Leaders of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas quickly embraced the request from Perry, who unveiled the unprecedented state-run cancer fight in 2009 with promises of medical breakthroughs. But the effort has unraveled into one of Texas' biggest tempests involving a state agency in Perry's 12 years as governor. The governor added, "It is important that we restore the confidence of the Texas taxpayers who approved this important initiative before new funds are dispersed."

Due to a winter cold front and wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour, people far and wide are dealing with widespread outages. Mother Nature has also caused extensive damage with downed trees and limbs not only blocking some secondary roadways but also falling on power lines. According to sources, some of the downed limbs on power lines have caused fires to breakout. The Shelby County Sheriffs Department has reported that TXdot was dispatched around 2 am and has been working most of the night to try and clear roadways. Represenatives from SWEPCO and Deep East Texas Electric Copperative indicate that numerous customers have reported outages across the coverage area. SWEPCO has reported 4,217 customers from Shelby County are without power, 5,736 from Panola County, and 13,050 from Rusk County. Due to issues with the transmission line, the entire city of San Augustine is without power and at this time, there is no indication as to when power will be restored. To report an outage with Swepco, call 1-888-218-3919 or with DeepEast Texas Electric Cooperative, call 1-888-392-5986.

Funeral Announcements

Lyndal Conway Zezulka, 84, of Houston, passed away Saturday at East Houston Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m., today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., today at Watson & Sons Chapel with burial to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Patsy Weatherly Nugent Smith, 66 of Garrison passed away Saturday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be held today from 12:30 p.m to 2:00 p.m at Garrison Funeral Home with Funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m with burial to follow at Lakewood Cemetery in Clute, Texas.

John Thomas Mims, Jr., 77, of Timpson passed away Sunday in Gary, TX.   Visitation for family and friends will be 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m today at Taylor Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m tomorrow at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson with burial to follow in Corinth Cemetery.

Dorothy L. Anderson, 89, of Center, passed away Monday at her residence in Center.  Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., tomorrow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

In Local Sports:

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’/Tex Preps Basketball Magazine weekly rankings are out for the week and two San Augustine County boys’ teams are ranked in the Top 25 in the Class 1A, Div. I poll. The San Augustine Wolves are now No. 3 with a 5-1 season record, while the Broaddus Bulldogs are ranked 19th with a 10-7 record. Meanwhile, in girls’ rankings, the Martinsville Lady Pirates are No. 4 in the 1A, Div. I poll with an 18-0 record.

There's round ball action on tap tonight, and with a district double-header at Roughrider Gym as the Hudson teams come to town. The Riders have their 20-3A opener against a tough Hornets team. That game will be preceded by the Lady Riders' game with Hudson. In addition, the San Augustine Wolves go to Colmesneil, while the Lady Wolves are home to play Woden; and the Joaquin Rams host Jefferson.

Also scheduled tonight, Alto goes to Timpson to play the Bears; the Shelbyville Dragons and Lady Dragons are in Cushing; New Summerfield will be in Tenaha to play the Lady Tigers; and the Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs open district at Elkhart.

The Tenaha Tigers are preparing for Thursday’s state championship game with Munday at Cowboys Stadium. Kickoff is 12 noon, and game tickets continue on sale at the Tenaha High School office. Tickets in advance are $12 adults and $8 students, and there’s a $10 parking fee. Tickets are $15 at the stadium. By the way, a day ticket allows you to see all three championship games Thursday. Which includes Tenaha vs. Munday for the Class A, Div. II title.

A reception honoring Judge Guy W. Griffin will be held 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., this Thursday, in the Shelby County Courthouse Community Room. The reception is to celebrate Judge Griffin’s 16 years of service. He’s leaving the123rd Judicial District bench the first of the year. Everyone is invited to attend.

The Joaquin City Council meets in regular session this evening and among the agenda items will be to discuss and possibly take action on a request by an Eagle Scout to construct a memorial in the city park in remembrance of students that lost their lives in an accident in 2001; a request by a Boy Scout to erect a flag pole on the lot next to Worsham’s Grocery; and discuss and consider approval of the Tri County Vendor Agreement. That’s a meeting of the Joaquin City Council at 6 this evening.

There will be a retirement reception for two Shelby County employees from 1 to 3 p.m. this afternoon at the Shelby County tax office in the courthouse. Tax Assessor-Collector Janie Graves, is retiring after almost 22 years, and tax-office employee, Tamie Warren, who has served as Chief Deputy, is retiring after almost 20 years. They’re asking no gifts please!

The Shelby County Commissioners' Court convened yesterday to discuss and consider items on the agenda.  The following items were approved:  to pay monthly expenses and amend budget line items; to maintain the County Retirement Plan for Plan Year 2013 with no changes made; bonds on all newly elected and re-elected Shelby County officials; a bid by Judy Guidry of Jasper for $1,000 for property #R24723 located in the Ritter Everett survey in the Rolling Hills subdivision; and Mileage reimbursement for the Tax Assessor Collector and Treasurer.  Again these are the items on the agenda that were approved.  However, discussion on the overtime and comp time policy of Shelby County was discussed and no action was taken.  It was noted that the over the past year, the Shelby County Sheriffs office has racked up at least $100,000 overtime pay at a rate of time and half. While the overtime was budgeted and is to be expected with the holidays, the court is concerned and believes it should be much lower.  Also, it was noted that according to the personnel policy, anyone who works overtime must take time off in order to compensate for the additional hours worked. This portion of the personnel policy has not been enforced as stated and therefore will be an issue incoming Sheriff Willis Blackwell will have to address. Again, no action was taken on the overtime and comp time policy of Shelby County.

At their regular meeting last Thursday, the Center ISD Board of Trustees unanimously accepted the evaluation of Superintendent James Hockenberry, and extended his contract until Dec. 13, 2017. The board also accepted the resignation of five personnel, including middle school social studies teacher, Joe Tallant and high school physics teacher Khadiatou Camara, in addition to approving the employment of several substitute teachers and support personnel.

In the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott Monday urged school districts across Texas to review their safety plans and implored districts that have not submitted their complete school safety audits to make doing so a priority. Among those school districts that had no school safety audit on file with the Texas School Safety Center were the Excelsior ISD, Timpson ISD and Martinsville ISD. The Texas Education Code requires that Texas public schools conduct safety audits once every three years. By requiring regular audits and emergency procedure practice sessions, schools and local law enforcement will be better prepared to act. “Proper preparedness and safety in our schools is not just an exercise, it will save lives when seconds count,” said Attorney General Abbott, who is a board member of the Texas School Safety Center. “As we all mourn the horrific loss of innocent lives in Newtown, we must ensure that not another minute passes where Texas school districts are unprepared for an incident in our own state. Abbott said his office will continue working with the Texas School Safety Center to ensure that every school district across this state has an effective school safety plan in place. Joining the Excelsior, Timpson and Martinsville ISD on that non-compliance list were the Gary, Cushing, Woden & West Sabine ISDs within our immediate area.

As early as Friday, Wells Island Road residents should again have access to water.  Caddo Parish has agreed to assume the Analytical water lines and turn the valve back on.  Parish commissioners agreed during an emergency meeting to begin work on a six-month, long-term plan to have the parish pay to install new water lines. But first, those lines must be approved by Shreveport and state officials.  An agreement will allow water in the old, unregulated lines to come back on for at least six months. Those new lines will likely come with a $1,000 price tag for residents. But Commissioner Michael Williams says he hopes that the parish can eventually recover some of the costs from Analytical.

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison defended her record as a "no-frills conservative" in an interview published Sunday as the Republican prepares to leave politics following a career that saw her become one of the nation's most prominent female lawmakers. Hutchison, 69, will return to Dallas next month after nearly two decades in the Senate. The decision came after her failed bid in 2010 to oust Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who had entered that primary battle appearing vulnerable against the popular Hutchison, only to handily win behind tea party support and anti-Washington fervor. As a state lawmaker, Hutchison was the first Republican woman elected twice to the Texas House and was the first woman to represent Texas in the Senate.

Texas State Bank in Timpson would like to invite you to our Open House, Friday, December 21st, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.

Shelby Savings Bank at all their branches, Center, Center North, Hemphill, and San Augustine would like to invite you to Open House, Wednesday, December 19th from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served and take home a calendar and a coffee mug.

The Rainbow Room is collecting toys and gifts for children in the care of Child Protective Services. Displays and tags have been placed at Farmer's State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank. Gifts should be purchased and returned to the banks no later than December 14th. For more information, please call 598-5387.

Center ISD has a ton of festivities scheduled at all levels for the Christmas Holidays. Check the following list for your child’s performance or for any opportunity that you can come see the amazing talents of the students at Center ISD.

December 12th Events
Mrs. Blanca and Mrs. Fults Christmas Play--Wednesday at 9:30 in the FL Moffett Cafeteria
Mrs. Sanders and Miss Batdorf’s Christmas Play at 10:15 FL Moffett Cafeteria

December 13th Events
Mrs. Jennifer DuVon and Mrs. Lesleigh Fitzgerald’s Kindergarten Classes Christmas Program at 9:30 in the FL Moffett cafeteria

December 14th Events
Pre-K4 Class Christmas Program, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Link, and Ms. Dunn’s classes at 9:30; Ms. Ward, Ms. Fountain, and Ms. Rowlett’s classes at 10:30.
Ms. Helms’ and Mrs. Corbell’s Classes will present the Christmas Alphabet at 9:30 in the CES Cafeteria.

December 17th Events
Mrs. Hayes and Mrs. Rogers Kindergarten classes Christmas Play on at 9:00 in Library B at FL Moffett.

Center High School Christmas Gala Dinner and Show at 6:00 in the CHS Cafetorium.

December 18th Events
The classes of Mrs. Herndon and Mrs. Masterson will present “The Elves’ Impersonator” on Tuesday at 9:00 in the Center Elementary Cafeteria.

2nd Grade Christmas Musical, “The Christmas Countdown” at 9:00 in the CES Cafeteria.
 

Center Intermediate School Christmas Program from 9:00-9:45 4th/5th, CIS Gymnasium

CHS is proud to announce its First Annual Christmas Gala, Monday December 17 at 6:00 p.m.

The Gala features a pancake supper provided by CHS Culinary Arts at 6:00. Dinner music provided by musicians from the CHS Band.  During Dinner and at intermissions, your children and grandchildren will have photo opportunities with: CHS Cheerleader Elves, The Whos from Whoville (Theatre Students), Charlie Brown and other characters from the classic animated Christmas Cartoon., Face Painting with the CHS Art Club. 

Entertainment begins at 6:30, featuring: The CHS Choir, The CHS Chaparrals and Twirlers, CHS Theatre performing the Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon, live and onstage.  During the two intermissions, CHS clubs and organizations will provide concessions and snacks in the CHS Christmas Village arranged around the cafetorium. Running time of the entertainment should be approximately 2 hours (including intermissions). Dinner and the Show: $10 For Adults, $5 for Students.

All proceeds benefit the CHS Student Activity Fund, providing extra opportunities beyond the classroom for our students. FOR TICKETS, contact a member of the Cheerleaders, Chaparrals, or Twirlers or Contact the office of CHS: 598-6173.

In Funeral Announcements

Zelma Gene Rambo, 79, of Center, passed away Thursday, at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.  Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., today at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.

Clinton Garrett, 80, of Houston, passed away Wednesday, December 5^th at West Houston Medical Center.  Visitation will be Friday from 12:30-6:30 p.m. At Garner & Son Mortuary.  Funeral Services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m at the Pisgah Baptist Church will burial following in Pisgah Cemetery. 

Services are pending for Mr. John Standley of Center.

In Local Sports:

High school basketball results last night: Girls’ action: In the District 19-2A opener, Woden over the Garrison Lady Bulldogs, 56-13, Garrison will be at Groveton Friday; Chireno Lady Owls over Oakwood, 43-23 and Nacogdoches defeats Marshall, 68-44.

Boys’ results: Chireno beats Corrigan, 72-58, the Owls are 11-2, and go to Slocum Friday; the Martinsville Pirates beat Elysian Fields, 58-18. Martinsville has homecoming Friday playing Hemphill.

The Tenaha Tigers will be playing for their second trip to the state championship  as they take on Falls City in a Class A, Div. II state semi-final football at 7:30, Friday night in Cypress at the Berry Center, located off Hwy. 290, northwest of Houston. The winner plays for the state championship next week against the winner of the Munday/Wellington semi-final being played Friday night in Wichita Falls.

A chartered bus is making the trip to Cypress for Friday’s Tenaha/Falls City game. For $40, a ticket includes round trip for one person, plus a pizza/drink at Tiger Tailgate at the stadium. The bus will leave from Tiger Gym at 1:30 Friday for a non-stop trip, and will arrive at the stadium at approximately 5:15. The bus will return immediately following the game, also non-stop. To purchase a seat on the charter bus, see Stella Baker in the High School Office. Your seat is reserved when payment is received. Only 56 seats are available. Game tickets are NOT included in the travel package. Prices are $8.00/$5.00 at the gate.

Average retail gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 3.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.08/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 4.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.34/g, according to gasoline price website TexasGasPrices.com.  Including the change in gas prices in Texas during the past week, prices yesterday were 0.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 9.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 12.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 5.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.  As of this morning, the lowest gas prices in the local area is at Murphy USA on Hurst Street at 3.04/g, followed by EZ Mart on Tenaha at 3.05/g and Conoco on Hurst Street at 3.05/g.

Does your family history include a veteran of the Spanish American War? If so, VFW Post 8904 would like to know so they can be properly honored. This was a war that lasted a little less than four months, April 21st – August 13th, 1898 but signaled the United States emergence as a world power.  If you have such a veteran in your family heritage or know of one from Shelby County please contact Larry Hume, VFW Post 8904 Post Quartermaster at 598-2976 or email: chief@chiefimaging.com.

Tenaha is having a Christmas Parade, at 5:30 p.m., Thursday. There will be pictures with Santa (at the school entrance) following the parade. In addition, a fish Dinner will be served at 6:30 in the school cafetorium, and a Little Miss Merry Christmas/Mr. Merry Christmas Pageant at 7 p.m. Admission for the dinner and pageant is $10 or the pageant only $5. All proceeds go towards a new playground for Tenaha Elementary.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomes Whistle Stop Café in Downtown Tenaha as a new member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. New owners are Ronny and Sue Raybon, and they invite you to a grand opening ribbon cutting at 2 p.m., tomorrow, Thursday.

A Nacogdoches man has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the oil company, TransCanada lied to him and other Texans when it said it would be using the Keystone XL pipeline to transport crude oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Michael Bishop is defending himself in his legal battle against the oil giant. Nacogdoches County Court at Law Judge Jack Sinz has ordered TransCanada to temporary halt work on private property where its building part of the Keystone XL pipeline designed to carry tar sands oil. The two-week injunction went into effect yesterday after Bishop posted bond. This is the latest legal battle to plague a project that has encountered numerous obstacles nationwide.

Bossier Schools has been chosen by the Louisiana Department of Education to receive $350,000 from Believe and Include, a $4 million competitive grant program to help students in the classroom with disabilities. Bossier is one of only 16 districts in the state to be awarded this grant.  Each of Bossier Parish’s seven middle schools will receive $50,000. Funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the grant money will enable the innovation and implementation of programs to help students in special education programs achieve proficiency of the more rigorous Common Core State Standards and perform at higher levels.

Gov. Rick Perry threw his support Tuesday behind legislation that would ban abortion in Texas after 20 weeks, the point at which he and other anti-abortion activists say a fetus can feel pain. The Legislature, which will reconvene Jan. 8 for a 140-day session.  The proposed bill, however, should have widespread support in Texas' largely Republican Legislature, which passed several laws in its 2011 session that made it more difficult to get an abortion, including a law that requires women to have a sonogram before going ahead with the procedure and putting in place a 24-hour waiting period between the time she sees a doctor and has the abortion.  Forty-one states already have laws banning abortions after 20 weeks, unless the woman's health is in danger. Texas' law would include a similar exception, said Elizabeth Graham, director of Texas Right to Life.  The law would help strengthen audits and inspections of the clinics and help ensure all laws are being enforced, Graham said.

 In Funeral Announcements

Minnie Stewart Myers, 88, of Tenaha, passed away Friday at Nacogdoches Medical Center.  Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. today at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Huxley with Eulogy given by her Grandson, Jeff Stewart. 

Mary J. Sims, 46, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday in Nacogdoches.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tomorrow at Watson & Sons Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Rather Cemetary in Shelbyville.

Zelma Gene Rambo, 79, of Center, passed away Thursday,  at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., tomorrow at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.

 Local Arrest Report for December 7^th, 8^th, & 9^th

Joshua Cooley, 19, of Center was arrested by DPS for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Dale Jenkins, of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine Police for Possession of Marijuana.

Charles Bartlett of San Augustine was arrested by San Augustine Police for Driving While Intoxicated with a child under 15 years of age and unlawful carry of a firearm.

All Suspects are Innocent Until Proven Guilty Before a Court of Law.

 In Local Sports:

The Tenaha Tigers have advanced to the Class A, Division II state semi-finals for the second year in a row, with a 34-30 win over Frost in Van in Friday night’s Region III Final. Tenaha will play the Region 4 winner, Falls City at 7:30 Friday night in Cypress at the Berry Center, northwest of Houston off Hwy. 290 & Hwy. 6. The winner plays for the state championship next week against the winner of the other state semi-final, Munday or Wellington at Cowboys’ Stadium.

High School Basketball:

The Center Roughriders split a pair of games at the Great East Texas Shootout last week in Brownsboro. In their first game Thursday, the Riders beat Pine Tree, 46-40; but came up short in Friday’s game with Troup, losing 58-47.

The Board of Trustees of the Shelbyville ISD will have a regular meeting this evening, and among the agenda items will be consideration of approval of the Investment Policy Annual Review and the 2011-2012 Independent Audit Report. In addition, the board will hear principal’s and superintendent reports. That’s a meeting of the Shelbyville ISD Board of Trustees at 6:00 p.m. tonight.

Not many items on the San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court agenda when they hold a regular meeting at 9 this morning. There will be discussion by the court concerning courthouse security as presented by County Judge Sammye Johnson; and there’s discussion and consideration concerning a natural spring on CR 203 as presented by Ed Wilson. In addition, San Augustine County Commissioners will consider a conversion letter agreement from the Postal Service.

Shelby County Commissioners’ Court has a relatively short agenda when they meet at 9:30 this morning in regular session. Among the items will be approving the state bond of tax assessor for Pam Shofner; discuss and possibly take action on approving a property sale resolution; possible action on approving an audit of Sheriff’s Department seizure room before Jan. 1; and discuss and possibly take action on car allowance or all other subsidies for tax assessor collector and treasurer.

With the passage of the cold front this morning, there were a couple of storm related incidents being reported by the National Weather Service, most coming with the thunderstorms Sunday afternoon that preceded the actual front. One-inch hail was reported 10 miles west of Center around 5:30 Sunday, in addition to several trees being blown down near Aiken. Around the same time, just north of that location on Farm-to-Market Road 95, thunderstorm wind damage blew several trees onto the roadway, some 5 miles south of Garrison. A severe thunderstorm warnings were issued by the weather service during this time for Shelby, Nacogdoches and Panola Counties.

A burglary ring in Shelby and Panola Counties has been busted up after the arrest of two men last Friday night at a Timpson residence. 32-year old Edward Jasso of Timpson and 26-year old Curtis Blakley of Gary were taken into custody following an investigation that has the duo connected to at least six home burglaries in Panola County and several in Shelby County, according to Panola County Sheriff’s Department officials. They say additional individuals are being sought in the crimes. Jasso and Blackely remain in the Panola County Jail. Officials say evidence collected from the home and a car at Railroad Avenue and Todd Street in Timpson, has reportedly connected the two men to the string of burglaries. Law enforcement in Shelby and Panola Counties assisted in the investigation.

The United States Geological Survey confirmed a 2.8 magnitude earthquake took place at 1:38 p.m. Friday afternoon near Timpson. The USGS said the quake’s epicenter was about 3 miles southwest of Timpson, again near Lake Timpson, and was just over three-miles deep. Five other tremors have occurred in the Timpson area this year, the strongest being a 4.8 on May 17. There were reports of homes shaking and items falling from shelves, but no major damage is being reported. This is first registered earthquake in the area since June.

An employee of a Timpson company has died from injuries sustained in a work-related accident last week. According to Pct. 5 Constable Stanley Burgay, 58-year old Augustine Ramirez was working in the sawmill area at Nix Forest Industries last Wednesday afternoon, when the commercial saw band came apart and struck Ramirez in the head, causing severe trauma. Constable Burgay said the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service responded and summoned Life Air from Shreveport, who transported Ramirez to LSU Health Center, where he died from injuries Thursday. Constable Burgay says Ramirez had worked for Nix Forest Industries, formerly Tyer Lumber Company for 7 years. He also said Nix Forest officials say it was the first injury related death at the company in its 80 year history.

Saturday night, voters put to rest who the next judge will be for the 26th Judicial District, which covers Bossier and Webster Parishes. Meanwhile, Shreveport residents gave overwhelming approval to a 1/4% sales tax renewal which helps fund the city's police and fire departments. Bossier/Webster Assistant District Attorney Mike Nerren was chosen as the next judge for the 26th Judicial District. The evening ended with Nerren winning out over Bossier City Attorney Whit Graves with 54% of the vote. The winning margin of victory was just under 1,000 votes.

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus said Friday he's committed to pumping billions of dollars back into the state's public schools, even though the Legislature approved historically deep cuts just last year. Texas' booming population means its current 5 million-plus public school enrollment increases by as much as 80,000 every year. But the 2011 legislative session failed to provide enough new funding to keep up with enrollment, instead passing $5.4 billion in overall cuts to public education and classroom grant programs. Straus wouldn't say he will push to find the additional $5.4 billion necessary to roll back all of those funding cuts. He did say, though, that since Texas' economy has weathered the recession and is strong again, lawmakers have more options.

UPDATED 12:15 pm

We reported a story this morning concerning the exumation of Danny Akridge along with autopsy information that was based on a press release from the Shelby County Sherrifs Department  However, up to date information has revealed that the autopsy results reported were from the intial autopsy.  The results of the first autopsy were received on November 27th from Forensic  Medical Services Management in Tyler.  While the preliminary results indicated the cause of death was Methamphetamine toxicity complicated by gastrointestinal hemorrhage, the results of a second autopsy are still pending.  All evidence and investigation is being handled by the Shelby County District Attorney's Office.  Again, results of a second autopsy are still pending.  We would like to apologize for any incovenience this has caused the Akridge family.

 Local Arrest Report for December 3^rd

Rhonda Burleson, 53, of Center was arrested by Shelby County Sheriffs for two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

All Suspects are Innocent Until Proven Guilty Before a Court of Law.

In Sports

In the Texas high school football playoffs, it’s dwindle down to the cream of the crop, as the number of teams from the immediate area are few.

The Tenaha Tigers and Carthage Bulldogs are involved in fourth-round action this week. The 8-4 Tigers will play 12-1 Frost at 7:30 Friday night in Van. The winner moves on to the State Semi-Finals next week against the Region IV winner, Falls City or Burton.

High school basketball tonight: Center Roughriders at Arp; Center Lady Riders host Tyler All Saints; Joaquin at Carlisle; Timpson at Mt Enterprise; Hemphill at Shelbyville; Tenaha Lady Tigers host Arp; and Garrison at Martinsville.

Center Broadcasting and Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Center, has been teaming up with the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center the past month to “Stock a Dodge for Santa”. We’ve been asking for new-unwrapped Christmas gifts for children up to age 17, boys and girls, be dropped by Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep. As a way of showing appreciation for your efforts, you become eligible to win a 50-inch TV. “Stock a Dodge for Santa”, just drop your gifts off now through this Friday, December 7 at Wright Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Hwy. 96 north in Center.

Center Garden Club presents: “A Christmas Garden of Homemade Goodies”, to be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the Windham Civic Center. Enjoy the live entertainment, surprise raffle, and auction for specialty holiday cakes. There will be pies, cookies, smoked and fried turkeys, smoked hams, breads, Christmas flowers and plants, snacks and candies. To place an order for one of the specialty items contact: Shirley Owens at 598-5381 or Carolyn Bounds at 598-3414.

At 6:30 p.m. tonight, the Center 7th and 8th grade bands will present their annual Christmas Concert. The students will perform “Frosty the Snowman”, “Winter Wonderland”, and other holiday favorites. All the band concerts are free admission, and are held in the Center High School Cafetorium. In addition to the performance, the Center Band Booster club will have a drawing for an Apple iPad, Kindle Fire HD, as well as a Nexus Tablet. All tickets for the drawing are $1.00, and can be purchased from HS band students as well as at the door on the evening of the concerts. The drawing will be held on Tuesday night, December 4th, at the conclusion of the 8th grade band’s performance. You do not have to be present to win, and proceeds go towards the High School Band’s trip to Walt Disney World in Florida this Spring.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will hold a relocation ribbon cutting for City Blends Smoothie Café /TANtalizing Tanning Salon, at 11 a.m., tomorrow. City Blends’ new location is 919 Tenaha St. in Center. Owners are Shawn Danley, Regina Danley and Brandi Adkison. Refreshments will be served.

In a press release Monday from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Newton Johnson says a second autopsy on the remains of 54-year old Danny Akridge confirms he died from Methamphetamine toxicity complicated by gastrointestinal hemorrhage. On Oct. 17, Akridge’s remains were exhumed from the Mt. Herman Cemetery, as requested by family members, and sent to the Forensic Medical Management Service in Tyler, in order to rule out any suspicion of foul play. Sheriff Johnson said the findings of the second autopsy confirmed the investigation findings of Constable Pct. 1 Zach Warr and the Sheriff’s Department. Akridge’s body was found in his home off State Hwy. 7 West in the Aiken Community. He was buried September 13^th.

School in Doyline, Louisiana is canceled for Today and possibly tomorrow, as crews continue to work to move and secure millions of pounds of improperly stored black powder at Camp Minden. The cleanup might not affect the upcoming election on Saturday, Dec. 8, but Webster Parish officials are making preparations just in case. Crews moved about 300,000 pounds on Monday and have moved about 1.2 million pounds total from the tightest-packed buildings into approved containers and onto 27 tractor-trailers to move to storage bunkers. Another 250,000 pounds had been moved a safe distance from the bulk of the material. It won't all have to be moved into bunkers to let people return home.

The military's highest court ousted the judge in the Fort Hood shooting case Monday and threw out his order to have the suspect's beard forcibly shaved before his court-martial. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces ruled that Col. Gregory Gross didn't appear impartial while presiding over the case of Maj. Nidal Hasan, who faces the death penalty if convicted in the 2009 shootings on the Texas Army post that killed 13 people and wounded more than two dozen others. The court-martial had been set to begin three months ago but has been on hold pending the appeals. In a statement issued Monday night, Fort Hood officials said proceedings in the case will resume after a new judge is appointed by the Army's highest legal branch. That indicates Army prosecutors will not appeal this ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
Santa's Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 1, 2012

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY:
1st Place - Ella's Party featuring Ella Shires and guests
2nd Place - Shelby County Chamber of Commerce's
East Texas Poultry Festival Queen Sterling Parker
3rd - Miss Black USA East Texas Teen Tamia Douglas

SCHOOL CATEGORY:
1st Place - Center Christian Academy K-6
2nd Place - Center Christian Academy High School
3rd Place - The Award Winning Center High School Marching Band

BUSINESS CATEGORY:
1st Place - Light & Champion newspaper
2nd Place - ACE EMS
3rd Place - Shelby Savings Bank

CHURCH CATEGORY:
1st Place: New Life Church
2nd Place:  Neuville Baptist Church
3rd Place:  McClelland Community Church

CIVIC ORGANIZATION CATEGORY:
1st Place - Shelby County 4-H
2nd Place - Williiam Carroll Crawford Chapter of the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas
3rd Place - Cub Scout Pack # 119 Tiger Cubs

BEST OF SHOW:

New Life Church

Here's a recap of high school football playoff action from the weekend:

The Tenaha Tigers are headed back to the Region III Final, after a 38-7 win over Bremond Friday in Crockett. The 8-4 Tigers will play 12-1 Frost at 7:30 Friday night in Van. The winner moves on to the State Semi-Finals next week against the Region IV winner, Falls City or Burton.

The San Augustine Wolves saw their season end Friday night in Palestine, as Mart took a 49-14 win. San Augustine’s season ends at 9-3, finishing as District Champs of 10-A, Div. I and bi-district and area champs.

Panola College will host a *"CNG- Compressed Natural Gas Forum”* on Tuesday, January 29. The forum will begin with a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on the Panola College campus in Carthage in the Student Center Ballroom. The purpose of this conference is to "Provide diverse stakeholder perspectives on the emerging unconventional energy markets with a particular emphasis on the natural gas economy and impacts in Texas, United States and around the globe with the goal to educate, inform and discuss complex issues with the goal of finding viable solutions". Space is limited so those interested in attending need to enroll now by calling the Panola College campus in Carthage.

Shelby County Judge Rick Campbell will be among the outstanding donors to Stephen F. Austin State University to be honored during the 24th annual SFA Gala on Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Campbell is a loyal supporter of many SFA programs, including the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, the Nelson Rusche College of Business, the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing, and the Department of Athletics. He is chairman of the Shelby Savings Bank Board of Directors, a member of the Center ISD Board of Trustees, a past chairman and national trustee of Ducks Unlimited, a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, and chairman of the Bone Hill Foundation. He also served as vice chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and has worked as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. In addition, Nacogdoches businessmen Jim, Tom, John and Bob Kingham; and the late Cecil Richey Jr., an SFA alumnus and longtime East Texas educator, will be honored for their donations to the university.  The Gala cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a candlelight dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $175 for orchestra seating and $125 for ballroom seating. Proceeds from the Gala help build a permanent endowment created by the SFASU Foundation to honor faculty achievement. For more information about the Gala or to purchase tickets, call (936) 468-5406.

The voting results are in and Stephen F. Austin State University students have approved a referendum creating a fee to finance improvements to athletic facilities, starting in 2014. The vote: 886 FOR; 817 AGAINST. University officials hope to seek legislative approval during the 2013 session.

A Broaddus man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for stealing farm equipment in the Blackjack community near Chireno. 33-year old Terry Wayne Phipps, and an accomplice, Celeste Andrade, also of Broaddus, were originally arrested in January of this year. Phipps was arrested last Thursday on two state jail felony charges of theft between $1,500 and $20,000. Judge Campbell Cox of the 145th Judicial District Court in Nacogdoches sentenced Phipps. Precinct 4 Constable Jason Bridges said a neighbor spotted a suspicious vehicle entering a property and people from the pickup were seen loading equipment into the bed. After the neighbor notified the property owner, they attempted to confront the two, but they fled. The duo was later stopped on Hwy. 21 by a deputy constable, with the pickup loaded down with farm equipment. Phipps and Andrade were apparently taking the items to a scrap yard to sell as scrap metal.

District Court Judge Tim Kelley has ruled against Governor Bobby Jindal's Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, or voucher program as it's commonly referred, saying the funding mechanism for the voucher program is unconstitutional.  After two days of testimony and closing statements on Friday, Kelley decided the lawsuit by the two Louisiana Teacher's Unions is valid.  State Judge Tim Kelley said the program improperly diverts money allocated through Louisiana's public school funding formula to private schools.   Kelley ruled in a lawsuit backed by teacher unions and school boards seeking to shut down the voucher program and other changes that would funnel more money away from traditional public schools.

Eleven Texas prisoners have been killed this year inside the state's prisons -- the highest number since 10 were slain in 1997, despite an overall decline in violence among the prison population statewide.  According to sources, last year just three inmates were killed. Officials say the increase is puzzling since overall violence, as well as sexual assaults and the number of weapons found in Texas prisons, have all declined in 2012.  Investigations into individual cases have shown the homicides appear to be random acts of spontaneous violence between cellmates with no apparent pattern.  Advocacy groups say more should be done to prevent prisoner killings.